Mackenzie Johnson

Reporter

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Mackenzie joined WDEF News 12 in May, 2026.

Articles

Platinum Rating Serves As Marketing Tool For Chattanooga - Hamilton County

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TVA gives Chattanooga and Hamilton County its new Valley Sustainable Award, and with that brings more than just bragging rights. It gives a message to companies looking to expand that Chattanooga features many of the qualities they seek. WDEF News 12's Alisha Searl shows us how this marketing tool can help the entire Tennessee Valley.

Shooting Victim Keoshia Ford Heads Back to School

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Keoshia Ford heads back to school, a year and a half after she was shot in the head by a Chattanooga gang member. Ford was at block party on Bennett Avenue when a group of gang members fired into the crowd. Ford, an innocent bystander, still has the bullet lodged behind her ear. WDEF News 12's Alisha Searl takes a look at far she's come, and what her family thinks about the city's new gang initiative.

Shots Fired Inside Chattanooga Bank; Suspects Wanted

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Chattanooga police are looking for two bold bank robbers Wednesday night. We're told one suspect walked into the First Tennessee Bank on East Brainerd Road and fired several shots. One employee was hit and taken to Erlanger Medical Center. WDEF News 12's Alisha Searl takes a look at how this robbery unfolded.

Injured Chattanooga Firefighters Speak

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For the first time we're hearing from the firefighters severely burned in a Chattanooga house fire. It happened last Monday on 4th Avenue. Dan Peterson and Chad Williams are now home from Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. WDEF News 12's Alisha Searl shows us just how dangerous their jobs can be.

Bullying Addressed at Ooltewah Elementary School

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A group of parents at Ooltewah Elementary School prompted a discussion today on bullying. They went to Principal Tom Arnold and requested a school resource officer come talk to the students on the issue. WDEF News 12's Alisha Searl takes us inside and shows us why today's talk was needed.

Protecting Canine Officers in Chattanooga

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A Chattanooga woman has made it her life's mission to protect one of the city's greatest assets: police dogs. They cost the department $15 to $16,000 a piece. Several months ago Robin Scott started an effort to raise money for canine bullet proof vests. WDEF News 12's Alisha Searl shows us how far she's come in such a short time.

Hamilton County Judge Discusses Youth Crime in Chattanooga

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Youth crime. It was a hot topic today at the Kiwanis Club of Chattanooga. Juvenile Court Judge Rob Philyaw laid out a plan to get children off the streets of Chattanooga. And as WDEF News 12's Alisha Searl found out, he plan had a lot to do with curfew and truancy

New Vision for Chattanooga

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If you're wondering what downtown Chattanooga could look like in 20 years, listen up. The city center community now has a good idea thanks to your input this week. WDEF News 12's Alisha Searl has the latest details in this developing story.

Through Irish Eyes: Wrestling in Georgia

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On advice from those who told me wrestling in the US was like nothing i could ever have seen before, we went in search of events and rings and came across Empire Pro in North Georgia.

Local Veterans React to Potential Loss of Benefits

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Millions of veterans, including those here in the Tennessee Valley, could stop receiving benefits come November 1st. Some say it's another example of how the government shutdown is taking a toll on the American people. WDEF News 12's Alisha Searl spoke to local veterans about what this could mean for them.

Victims Claim Stolen Property From Meigs County

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More than a dozen people in Meigs County got the chance to reclaim their stolen property today. A couple was recently charged with stealing two to 500,000 worth of property from multiple counties. Meigs County Sheriff, Jackie Melton, says it was the largest theft ring he's seen in more than 36 years. WDEF News 12's Alisha Searl spoke with one victims who's happy to have her vehicle back, among several other things.

Walnut Street Bridge Receives National Recognition

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The Walnut Street Bridge receives national recognition Tuesday from the American Planning Association. It's now one of the 10 Great Public Spaces for 2013. City leaders met at the bridge Tuesday morning for a special ceremony. As WDEF News 12's Alisha Searl found out, the award brings more than just bragging rights.

Chattanooga Firefighters Injured in Morning Blaze

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Three Chattanooga firefighters are recovering from burns after battling a morning house fire. It happened on 4th Avenue in East Lake. WDEF News 12's Alisha Searl tells us what was inside that could have injured the firefighters.